Water development and allocation have been among the most important problems Utah has had to face throughout the past 117 years of development . When Utah\u27s first white settlers, the Mormon pioneers, entered Salt Lake Valley in July of 1847, little met their eyes to entice their stay. The earth was so parched and dry that they were unable to scratch the surface with their plows. Less than two hours after their arrival members of the party began digging ditches and building dams to irrigate and soften the earth so they could begin plowing
